A Huge Surprise at the Alliance of International Aromatherapists Conference!

by Andrea Butje on October 5, 2013

Here is what I remember: I was excited to be at the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) conference. I love seeing so many Aromatherapists in one place and having the chance to connect with friends from all over the world! We were having lunch, laughing, and listening to the announcements.

Awards were being given out. I heard my name called—I was the person who had referred the most people to the AIA this past year, and that made me happy. I went up to the stage and got my award. Fun!

Then the Lifetime Achievement award was announced. And they said my name. I won.

I won?

I remember being on stage with Robert Tisserand, looking into his beautiful eyes, listening to him make a few funny jokes and saying some very sweet things about me. I remember thinking: keep talking, Robert because I have to come up with something to say that can reflect how deeply honored I feel.

I managed to say a few words, there was the flash of cameras, and then I had this absolutely gorgeous award in my hands. Bev Day was standing nearby, smiling at me.

Here is what I know: I love the Aromatherapy community. I am incredibly inspired by the friendships I have made here over the past 15 years. I treasure the opportunity to teach, and to share everything I can about essential oils. I adore the distillers who dedicate their lives to growing, harvesting and producing the essential oils we use and love. And I am so fortunate to be able to write and share with all of you reading this blog.

A special thanks to the AIA for use of both these photos!

Thank you!
Andrea

Pictures are compliments of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists!

Dear Andrea~
Big Congratulations on the Lifetime Achievement award. So well deserved! I am one of the many that have been touched by you, your teaching and the continued gifts you spread around the aromatherapy community. PS: Great pictures :o)

The look on your face as they announced your name for this award was worth the ticket to the conference! It was certainly deserved, since you have forged many exciting new paths that are increasing the credibility of our work as aromatherapists – your Distiller Director and Component Database are two such examples. Congratulations Andrea!

Andrea! I cried when I read this…..You are SO deserving of this beautiful award!!!!!! I am so honored to have learned so much from you and am inspired by your infinite wisdom of essential oils! You are a fabulous teacher and a lovely lovely person that I am so happy to know! All my love to you!!!!! You Go Girl!!!! XOXO

Andrea!!!! Congratulations***** how exciting for you… *** All of your passion and hard work is turning around and giving you lovely gifts of appreciation! I am so proud to have studied with such an amazing person, and teacher! >3